The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is continuing to investigate the cause of a bushfire at Eastern Beach on K'gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) in Great Sandy National Park, which is contained and self-extinguishing.
The bushfire burned about 280 hectares inland from the Maheno Camp Zone before dissipating as a result of responding crews and favourable conditions.
Closures remain in place for visitor safety, however there is currently no threat to nearby infrastructure or the wider environment.
Initial investigations into the cause of the fire indicate inappropriately discarded heat-beads caused an illegal fire starting about 8.30am on Friday (2 August 2024).
K'gari Senior Ranger Linda Behrendorff said the impacts and potential risk of the bushfire were reduced thanks to a quick, collaborative response and good land management through planned burning.
"The QPWS would like to thank the multiple agencies who assisted with this weekend's bushfire response, including Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, the Queensland Fire Department, the Rural Fire Service, Queensland Police and locals," Ranger Behrendorff said.
"This collaborative effort, combined with mild weather conditions and recent planned burning helped us to contain the bushfire quickly.
"Campers need to understand that unauthorised campfires on K'gari are illegal for good reason. The conditions of this fire worked in our favour, but containing bushfires on a remote island like K'gari can be extremely challenging so we really need campers to do the right thing to keep themselves and the environment safe."
In a separate incident, as rangers were checking on nearby campers during the fire response on Saturday, they observed a group of visitors that had allegedly lit another illegal campfire in the same camping area. Rangers have issued a $806 fine to the group as a result.
Anyone caught lighting a fire outside of the designated areas on K'gari can face an on-the-spot fine or higher, court-imposed penalties.
QPWS and Butchulla staff will continue to monitor the bushfire-impacted area, with additional prescribed burns planned for later this week to reduce remaining fuel loads.
Visitors and residents in the area are reminded to obey all signage, follow directions from Rangers and emergency services.
As a result, smoke may continue to be seen in nearby areas. If smoke affects you, stay indoors where possible and keep respiratory medication close by.
Check the Park Alerts website for the latest park conditions.
